Rico Verhoeven might not get an immediate rematch with Oleksandr Usyk but his courageous defeat last weekend will see him gain a “top, top, top” ranking with the WBC.
The WBC, specifically president Mauricio Sulaiman, came under fire when it was announced that Usyk’s bout with Verhoeven, then 1-0 and best-known for his kickboxing career, would be sanctioned as a world heavyweight title fight.
It was agreed by the organization, in December, that Usyk – also champion with the IBF and WBA – would be permitted one voluntary defense before being ordered to face off with Agit Kabayel, the WBC interim beltholder, later in 2026.
That Verhoeven went on to perform heroics against Usyk in his first professional boxing outing for 12 years, as he took the fight to the Ukrainian before being stopped in 11 rounds, led many to call for an immediate return.
Sulaiman, however, has insisted that it is Kabayel next for Usyk, should he want to keep his status as champion with the WBC. And though now just 1-1, Verhoeven can expect to be ranked highly by the organisation.
“I believe the right thing would be Rico is going to get ranked for sure by the WBC,” Sulaiman said.
“And he deserves to fight again for the world title.
“It’s a matter of the ratings committee, but I would say top, top, top.
“We took a lot of criticism, and now we will not hear anything said. The result was it.”
